Early Life	Making of a Priest	A Time of Need	A Growing Legacy	Twilight
1842 - 1869	1869 - 1882	1882 - 1891	1892 - 1921	1921 - 1936

The Making of a Priest
1869 - 1882

In the summer of 1869, Nelson took a steamer trip along the shores of the Great Lakes in an attempt to sort out his life. During the trip, he attended Masses in Detroit, Milwaukee, Chicago, and a number of ports along the way. Upon his return to Buffalo, he reported to his family that his decision was made -- he was going to become a priest. Caroline, his mother, was delighted, but Nelson's father, brothers, and his former business partner were not so sure.

On September 2, 1869, Nelson entered the college department of Our Lady of Angels Seminary at Suspension Bridge, Niagara Falls (what is now Niagara University). Although several years older than most students, he participated in every aspect of seminary life, starring in musical and theatrical productions, athletics, and debates. And, of course, Nelson labored diligently to develop his spirituality, often being singled out by peers and instructors for his faith.

After reading about the organization of the first American pilgrimage to Rome in 1874, Nelson wanted desperately to be involved. Gathering up some money he had left over from his entrepreneurial days, he became one of 108 pilgrims who boarded a ship headed for Europe. Once in Paris, Nelson spent much time admiring the shrine to Our Lady of Victory, and one can only guess what went through his mind, as he was to devote the rest of his days to dutifully serving her. After a brief meeting with Pope Pius IX at the Vatican, the pilgrims (and Nelson) returned home with a renewed sense of faith.

Nelson's work at the seminary came to an end on March 19, 1876 (the feast of St. Joseph) when he was ordained to the priesthood at the age of 34. Weeks later, he received his first assignment -- Limestone Hill (what is Lackawanna, N.Y., today) -- a parish consisting of a church, an orphanage, and a protectory for young boys who where "inclined to truancy and willfulness". Father Baker would remain as an assistant there until he was transferred to St. Mary's Parish in Corning, N.Y., in 1881. He would not be there long, however, as he was reassigned to Limestone Hill in February of 1882 with a promotion to superintendent. He would not leave again.

Early Life	Making of a Priest	A Time of Need	A Growing Legacy	Twilight
1842 - 1869	1869 - 1882	1882 - 1891	1892 - 1921	1921 - 1936